Understand Your Furry Companion With Doggie Documentaries

According to a 2011 study published by the Humane Society, approximately 39 percent of U.S. households include at least one canine family member. Not surprising, considering dogs provide companionship and unconditional love like no other animal — even human beings.

More attention is being been paid to studying dogs, their history and their psychology. If you’re one of the millions whose life has been touched by a four-legged furry canine friend, spend some time with one or all of these documentaries and gain some insight into understanding your pooch.

The Secret Life of Dogs

It might seem to you that your dog is better at understanding your moods and emotions than your spouse and, according to “The Secret Life of Dogs,” you’re probably right. This documentary details a number of research studies focusing on dogs, but one specific report spotlights their unique ability to recognize and comprehend the emotions of humans.

Spoiler alert: Turns out dogs analyze human faces the same way humans do.

The Dogs of New York

There’s not a lot of data on what caused a decline in the dog pup-ulation in New York in the 1970s and 80s, but dog lovers of the world, take heart. “The Dogs of New York” reveals that the number of dogs who have taken up residence in the Big Apple is currently at an all-time high — 1.25 million.

Some speculate that, since the number has surged over the past five years, 9/11 was the event that gave impetus to New Yorkers rediscovering their need to have someone to come home to, a furry someone who could be the source of unconditional love. It’s heartening to see how pampered these NYC pooches are. Some go as far as providing their dogs with Macys.com luxury bedding fit for royalty, while others take their pups for nonfat kosher ice cream. Some big city dogs are livin’ large.

Dogs Decoded

If by understanding your dog, your aim is to learn the difference between his woof and his bark, “Dogs Decoded” is a must-see documentary. In the wild, wolves only bark as a warning, so researchers have come to the conclusion that having evolved from wolves, dog communication techniques have matured as they interacted more and more with humans. This documentary offers scientific research to back up what you’ve known all along: that your dog really does talk to you and there’s a rhyme and reason to his groans, mumbles and yips.

These are just a few of the many doggie documentaries that have recently been produced. The existence of such a wide selection of different topics is testament in itself of the significant role that dogs have in human lives. You already know how important your canine companion is to you. It’s satisfying validation to know that you’re both in good company.

By Vicky Kelly: Vicky is a part-time tech assistant for an animal hospital and a freelance writer for several blogs about pet care.